Repentance grows as faith grows. Do not make any mistake about it; repentance is not a thing of days and weeks, a temporary penance to be got over as fast as possible! No; it is a grace of a lifetime, life faith itself… Repentance is the inseparable companion of faith.
Charles Spurgeon
I have met a lot of Christians and learned their testimonies on how they came to know Jesus. Everybody has different and wonderful stories. Take, for instance, Pavlo and I have different stories and how we became Christians. While Pavlo underwent physical struggles and hardships before he was converted. I, on the other hand, had more emotional and moral obstacles before I was saved.
How about you? How did you come to the Lord? We want to know.
History to Understand God’s Word
The book of the Acts of the Apostles, also known mainly as the Book of Acts, was written by Luke. The same Luke was one of the writers of the Gospel of Jesus. Additionally, Luke was Paul’s close friend, the personal physician and companion. And because of his proximity to the apostles, he was able to interview and take their accounts into writing. And most importantly through the guidance of the Holy Spirit Luke was able to write the books of Acts and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Books of Acts 3. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Matthew 4:1-11: How To Know If Temptations Effects Are Good?
The Healing
The Bible has a lot of healing stories. In the Old Testament, God used men of God and prophets as His instruments for healing. While in the New Testament, it was God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, who healed a lot of people with various ailments. Furthermore, He has appointed His apostles, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to cast out demons, cure the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God (Luke 9:1).
At the beginning of Acts 3, Peter and John were doing the exact instruction Jesus has told them. The lame beggar asked for alms – worldly sustenance – but received more than what he asked for. And he was healed in the name of Jesus Christ.
Astonishment to the Wonder Maker
I have noticed two responses to a miracle in this chapter. Firstly, is from the lame beggar, who after he was miraculously healed was leaping for joy and praising God. Furthermore, he even went with Peter and John to the temple instead of running somewhere else.
Secondly, is from the crowd, who, when they saw the beggar, healed was astonished and amazed at what had happened to him. And specifically, astounded who had made it happen. Thus, when they saw Peter and John they stared at them amazed.
(Please visit another devotional on Miracles Do Happen When We Believe. To read more about miracles and wonders)
A call to repentance
Peter rebukes the crowd by prompting them on whose name he was able to heal the beggar. Moreover, he reminded them that Jesus was the promised Messiah which they have rejected and crucified. After reprimanding them, Peter called everyone that was listening to repent from their sins and turn to God that their sins may be erased (Acts 3:19) through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Have you experienced receiving healing from God?
- How did you react to this?
- Or are you like the crowd?
- When are you going to repent from your sins?
- Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and saviour? Accept Jesus Now.
Prayer
Almighty Father, who art in heaven. Praise and glory to you who are just and merciful. We confess now our sins (mention your sins) and ask for your mercy. May the Holy Spirit change our hearts and lead us to you.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your sacrifice on the cross. We thank you for ransoming us from our sins and granting us eternal life with the Father. May we continue to walk with you and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So that when our time comes we may be able to sing with the choir of angels praising your Holy Name.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
